November 2009
- This project is substantially complete.
Overview
We will transform Guide Meridian (SR 539) from a narrow two-lane roadway to a wider and safer four-lane highway with a two-way turn lane in the middle from Horton Road to Ten Mile Road. The project also involves building new bridges over Four Mile and Ten Mile creeks.
Why is WSDOT
widening Guide Meridian?
Approximately 23,000 drivers use Guide Meridian on a daily basis north of Bellingham. The highway is a popular freight route for semitrucks, too. When it was first built, the two-lane Guide Meridian served the needs of drivers. Since then population, development and congestion have exceeded the limits of the highway. Drivers routinely experience congestion and delay. We will widen the highway and incorporate safety features to help improve safety and mobility for drivers.
The End Result
The highway will be two lanes in each direction with a two-way turn lane in the middle, providing more room for drivers. In all, nearly five miles of Guide Meridian will be transformed from a narrow two-lane roadway with minimal shoulders to a wider and safer four-lane highway with 8-foot shoulders. New lighting and turn lanes at intersections will help reduce accidents and relieve congestion.
Project Benefits
- Turn lane - we will widen the highway to four lanes with a two-way turn lane to improve safety and traffic flow.
- Traffic signals - we will install new signals at Smith, Axton and Laurel Road intersections.
- Environment - we will build 11 water quality detention ponds. The Deer Creek culvert will be replaced to improve stream flow and fish habitat.
- Bridges - We will replace both the Four Mile Creek and Ten Mile Creek bridges with wider, safer bridges.
What is the project timeline?
- Fall 2008 - finish construction.
- June 2007 - start construction.
- May 2007 - awarded project to IMCO General Construction of Bellingham.
- March 2007 - advertised project contract to contractors.
- April 2006 - gave project presentation to Whatcom County Council.
- May 2001 - plans approved for buying the necessary property to widen and enhance the Guide Meridian.
- Summer 1999 - funding approved for project design, right of way, and construction.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- Existing funds - $65.5 million
- Other agency funds - $2.9 million
developer fees
- Total funding available from all sources - $68.4 million
For project schedule and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.
Contractor bids on this project were opened in March and the lowest bid was $3.6 million over the engineer’s estimate due to higher than anticipated contractor costs for asphalt, copper and storm sewer work. Since this unanticipated higher cost was not in the Governor’s proposed 2007-09 budget, the Department notified the Legislative Transportation Committees of the increase. The cost increase was included in the 2007 Transportation Budget passed by the Legislature in April. The project was awarded for $39.9 million.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Chris Damitio
460 Stuart Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: 360-788-7400
E-mail: DamitiC@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5947
E-mail: terpenid@wsdot.wa.gov
Whatcom County highway
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